Tragic Loss of a Respected Headteacher
In a heartbreaking turn of events, the educational community is mourning the loss of Simon Gibbs, a beloved headteacher at New Rickstones Academy in Witham, who tragically passed away during a skiing holiday in France. The coroner’s conclusion following a short documentary inquest has shed light on the circumstances surrounding Mr. Gibbs’s untimely death.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Simon Gibbs, a dedicated educator known for his brilliance and commitment to his students, was found unresponsive in a stream at the Morillon ski resort during the half-term break in February. The inquest revealed that Mr. Gibbs, who was 41 years old, had been on holiday with friends and was “heavily intoxicated” at the time of the accident, leading to his fatal fall into the river on the night of February 11.
His body was subsequently taken to Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow for a post-mortem examination, which determined that Mr. Gibbs’s cause of death was immersion in water, compounded by alcohol intoxication. Despite the original plan for a full inquest in March, the absence of live witnesses prompted an earlier ruling by Essex area coroner Lincoln Brookes, who declared Mr. Gibbs’s death as accidental drowning.
A Legacy of Excellence
Simon Gibbs’s journey in the field of education began in south west England, where he taught mathematics in Exeter before transitioning to Essex. His tenure at Maltings Academy in Witham ultimately led him to New Rickstones Academy, where he assumed the role of headteacher in September 2021. Under his leadership, the school received positive recognition from Ofsted, culminating in a heartfelt tribute through the naming of a building in his honor earlier this year.
As the educational community grapples with the loss of a visionary leader, the legacy of Simon Gibbs will endure through the lives he touched and the lasting impact he made on the students and staff of New Rickstones Academy. May his memory serve as a beacon of inspiration and dedication in the realm of education.
